The President Should Apologize

Recently, Judge James Robart of Seattle issued a nationwide restraining order blocking the travel ban ordered by President Trump.

The president reacted by tweeting "the opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!"

Judge Robart is not a "so-called judge" but rather a respected, conservative jurist who was appointed to the federal court by President George W. Bush and confirmed by a vote of 99-0 by the U.S. Senate in 2004.

All Americans who believe in the constitutional safeguards incorporated by our founding fathers into our three co-equal branches of government ought to be appalled by the president's attempt to bully the judiciary. An independent judiciary free from political influence is a hallmark of our democracy and the bedrock of our freedoms. It's what stands between freedom and tyranny.

Many non-partisan legal organizations have spoken out strongly against the president, condemning and calling the president's comments "wrong" and unequivocally stating that nothing is more important than the impartiality and integrity of our court system.

The president fails to understand the role of his office in our democracy. Although he never apologizes, this comment requires one.